Dialing down conflicts is a crucial building block to attracting investment to drive much needed economic diversification across the Gulf, especially for Saudi Arabia. The beginning of a more “sensitive” Gulf“The end of the so-called ‘Gulf rift’ would constitute a major regional step forward. The “Gulf rift” may be healing, but a “Washington rift” remains“Many people have already forgotten that the ‘rift’ started in 2017 with serious policy differences over how the countries of the Gulf should treat the Muslim Brotherhood and groups contending for influence in the Syrian civil war. Easing the “Gulf rift” may relaunch normalcy—to the United States’ relief“Discerning the motives and incentives for action at this time by the players in the Gulf is not easy. A united GCC will not be to Iran’s benefit.”Sina Azodi, nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Middle East programs.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 05, 2021 00:45 UTC